Berg HD/CN 212 vs NV

I'm a little biased because I own an NV212T. Actually, I've owned 3...I think that says something.

This is a discussion of 2 flavors of awesome

I prefer the CN to the HD to start. HD is ad it implies high def, but the low mid forwardness of the CN is something it does really really well.

The NV to me is a beefier, fuller CN. Not to say the CN is a slouch! It is not. I just really enjoy the OOMPH the NV212 puts out. And with the tweeter option, you don't miss out on any grind and crisp. You can of course dial it out and get a tubbier sound. The NV212T is my favorite sealed cab from Berg.

 

Why is the Forte your go to amp if it doesn't sound as good as the TF with your cabs?

 

I too am surprised that you're not getting the sound you want from the Berg amp/cab combination. You have a dynamite set-up there IMO. Maybe if you give it a bit more time and try some different settings you'll be able to get "that sound" you liked with the TF.

Of the cabs you listed I tried them all, brought the CN212 home, and have kept it. I consider it to be perhaps one of the most "honest/accurate sounding" ported cabs I've found. It seems to just allow whatever I plug into it to shine through and speak cleanly and clearly. It is my favorite cab to use when testing out a new amp or comparing amps.

The CN212 is not as inherently deeply voiced as the HD to my ear, but it takes EQ well. In that respect it reminds me a little of the NV which exhibits a strong low end, but rolls off in the deep low region. As for an even balance across the frequency spectrum teh CN212 is smooth and seamless with no obvious dips or peaks...like all the Berg cabs I've ever heard.

 

For about 8 years I used a Thunderfunk 550 and then a 750 with my Berg AE and CN cabs. Then I moved to Barefaced: light, loud and with a great tone. I'm still running the TF750 but also an Aguilar AG700. I briefly had a Forte HP (sounded very good with the BF cabs) but didn't use any of the features so sold it.

Barefaced 212 cabs, the BT3 and ST, are worth checking out. Both my amps sound huge through my 2 x 112 rigs (BB2/SM and SC/SM).